The groundbreaking ceremony for the Final Phase Campaign to expand the National Museum of the Marine Corps and the formal dedication of the Timothy T. Day Overlook took place on March 27, 2015. Nearly 200 people attended these ceremonies, which were made possible by a lead gift of $12 million from the Timothy T. Day Foundation.
The Museum expansion will add two galleries depicting the bravery of service men and women who served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1976 through present day, a movie theater, a Marine Sports Hall of Fame, and a Marine Corps Combat Art Gallery.
After a large excavator with a gold plated shovel moved some dirt symbolizing the groundbreaking for the Museum’s new construction project, guests returned to their seats for the formal dedication of the Timothy T. Day Overlook. The Overlook will greet visitors at the new entrance to the Marine Corps Heritage Center and will provide impressive views of the Semper Fidelis Memorial Park, the National Museum of the Marine Corps, and the Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel. It will also serve as a unique venue for promotions, awards, and other special ceremonies.
Lieutenant General Glenn M. Walters, Deputy Commandant for Programs & Resources, spoke at the Museum expansion ceremony on behalf of General Joseph Dunford, 36th Commandant of the Marine Corps, and General James F. Amos (Ret), 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps, spoke at the Overlook Dedication ceremony. Tim and Sandy Day were joined at these ceremonies with other senior leaders of the Marine Corps, family members, the Foundation Board of Directors, many recipients of the AMP and MBA Fellowships at HBS, representatives of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, and numerous friends.
General Amos gave a stirring speech reflecting on Tim and Sandy Day’s unusual generosity for Marine Corps related activities, and he acknowledged those individuals that are part of their “Tribe”, whether in suit or uniform, as well as friends and family. Further he included quoted sentiments of appreciation for the Day’s by several Fellowship recipients and then the General expressed gratitude for all they have done and their great fidelity.